Minister Baird Concerned Over Latest Use of Force by Syrian Regime

News Release

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**(No. 187 -** **July 5, 2011** **\-** **1:15 p.m. ET)** John Baird, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, today issued the following statement deploring the latest violent crackdown by the Syrian regime against its own people:

“The reported violence being perpetrated by the Syrian government against its citizens in Hama and along the Syrian-Turkish border is completely unacceptable.

“Canada calls on President Assad and the Syrian regime to listen to the Syrian people’s calls for reform.

“The Syrian people demand and deserve better from their government.

“It is clear that President Assad is unwilling or unable to deliver on the reforms he promised the Syrian people. Canada reiterates that the president has a choice: he can deliver reform or go. The status quo is no longer acceptable.

“Canada and our international allies will continue to press for democracy and human rights in Syria.

“Canada continues to support the people of Syria in their peaceful efforts to realize for themselves a brighter, better future.”